Vt. summit aims to connect veterans with services to help further their careers

A summit in Vermont on Wednesday was aimed at providing veterans with opportunities and a sense of belonging. The 11th annual Veterans Summit put wellness, health, education and employment opportunities under one roof to make it easier for vets to take it all in.

“All of those things that are available to veterans now-- it’s just nice to see how far it’s come,” said Skylar Koch of Barre, a U.S. Army veteran who served five years, including tours in Iraq.

Koch says the transition back into the community can be a challenge for many leaving the service.

“The biggest part that a lot of veterans miss is the camaraderie; it’s that sense of belonging. So to come to an event like this put on for veterans... A lot of veterans here... I see friends make new friends and just have a sense of how strong the veteran community is here in Vermont,” Koch said.